TACO Survey Confirms RVing Appeal

Ninety-two percent of RV enthusiasts staying at Texas campgrounds say it’s cheaper to stay in a campground or RV resort than a hotel or motel, and many derive additional savings by cooking some or all of their own meals, according to the latest online survey by the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO).

More than half of the survey respondents said they save anywhere from $20 to $50 a night by staying in a campground or RV resort, with an additional 25.7% of respondents saying they save $50 to $100 per night. Forty-five percent of survey respondents said they save even more by eating only dinner out, while 32.3% cook all of their own meals.

“Our latest survey indicates that people are still wanting to get out and enjoy some time off, but I think they are also trying to stretch their dollar as far as they can, and the camping lifestyle is giving them the options that they’re looking for in that regard,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO executive director.

The April survey, conducted through www.texascampgrounds.com, generated 614 responses involving the cost of RVing, percentage of meals out and fuel costs, Schaeffer said.

On the comparison between hotel and RV lodging, the respondents said staying in a campground or RV resort is cheaper than staying in a motel or hotel by the following dollar amounts:

$40 to $50 per night – 32.3%.

$50 to $100 per night – 25.7%.

$20 to $40 per night – 25.7%.

I don’t save any money. I simply camp for the experience – 7.2%.

More than $100 per night – 5.5%

$10 to $20 per night – 3.6%.
Most RV enthusiasts save additional money by cooking at least some of their own meals.

45% only eat dinner out.

32.3% cook all of their own meals.

15% eat out half the time.

6.8% only eat out for breakfast.

1% eat out all the time.
The survey also gathered statistics on how much RV enthusiasts spend each day for food, camping fees, entertainment and fuel. Here are the results for food expenses:

$25 to $50 – 48.5%.

Less than $25 – 37.8%.

$50 to $75 – 9%.

$75 to $100 – 2.3%

$100 or more – 2%.
Here are the camping fee expenses:

$20 to $40 – 61.6%

Less than $20 – 26.7%.

$40 to $60 – 15.6%

More than $80 – 3.3%.

$60 to $80 – 2.6%.
Here are entertainment and activities expenses:

Less than $25 – 55.7%

$25 to $50 – 28.3%

$50 to $75 – 7.8%

$75 to $100 – 5.5%

$100 or more – 2.6%.
Here are fuel expenses:

$25 to $50 – 28%.

$50 to $75 – 25.1%.

$75 to $100 – 17.9%.

Less than $25 – 15.3%.

More than $100 – 13.7%.
The survey also collected data on how RVers travel:

57.7% travel with a spouse or significant other.

35.5% travel with a spouse or significant other and their children or grandchildren.